Mme.Zaratamara's I CHING readings

Welcome! The I-Ching is the Great Chinese "Book of Changes" created by the Ancient Sages around 2205- 1766 BC, further edited by Confucious in the 5th century BC. Originally used as an Oracle to impart wisdom and advice to Kings and Rulers, it addresses itself to the "Superior Man"in all of us. I will consult Oracle, about matters of importance in a Nation and a World in Flux. Thoughtful and Timely questions submitted by visitors are welcome. Go to "About Me" to see how it works!

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

The Schiavo case: Congress meddling in the Private Sphere

Good Morning.Since there seems to be nothing in the news but the wrangling over Terry Shiavo's feeding tube, and indeed, the most frightening thing about it all is the extent to which the government now wants to further intrude in our private lives, with the Righteous Right in Congress now taking it upon themselves to make these decisions, I became curious about what the I CHING would say about this. It gave me the Hexagram, #63 AFTER COMPLETION, ___ _____________ _____________o______x___which says, "When no further progress is possible, disorder necessarily arises, because the way cannot go on." The Judgement says:"After Completion. Success in small matters.Perseverance furthers.At the beginning, good fortune.at the end, disorder" ( pretty accurate picture of Shiavo's life, wouldn'tyou say?)But the Oracle seems to be addressing itself more to Congress and those who would "stand above things" in this matter, and its consequences:The image:"Water over fire: the image of the condition. Thus the superior manTakes thought of misfortuneand arms himself in advance." (This would seem to adocate getting a Living Will)In one aspect, fire and water counteract each other, whereby an equilibrium is created; (I see this as public vs private rights) in another aspect, however, fear of collapse is also suggested. If the water escapes, the fire goes out; if the fire flames high, the water dries up. Hence, precautionary measures are necessary when handling elements by nature hostile to each other. The upper trigram suggests danger, disaster, the lower, clarity and foresight. The taking thought occurs in the heart, the arming in external actions. The danger still lurks unseen (the danger of increasing unseemly meddling by the government and its possible consequences) hence, only reflection enables one to perceive it in time and thus avert it." (I think we know where the Religious Right is heading with this)The Lines:>Nine at beginning says:"He brakes his wheels.he gets his tail in the water.No Blame" Uses the wheel and the fox as its image, first line being the tail. the possibility of overcoming the danger by holding back firmly arises from the strong nature of this line. More revealingly, the second marked line seems to speak directly about public involvement in private matters:>Six in the second place says:" The woman loses the curtain of her carriage.Do not run after itOn the seventh day you will get it back" The upper trigram, K'an, means wagon, and robbers, hence the theft of the curtain (By meddlers in Congress, I'd say)It is compared to a woman who has lost her veil (Privacy in personal matters) and is consequently exposed to attack.But since she is correct, these attacks do her no harm, and after a full cycle she obtains her veil again.( Congress has now tried this meddling in private affairs, , but not without damaging its own credibility, as we shall see).

This Hexagram now changes to:# 48 the Well.

"The Town may be changed But the well cannot be changed . It neither decreases or increasesIf one gets almost down to the waterand the rope does not go all the wayor the jug breaks, it brings misfortune."

The well is the symbol of social structure which, evolved by mankind in meeting its most basic needs, is independant of all political forms.Governments change, as do nations, but the life of Man with its needs remains eternally the same. Life is also inexhaustible. It grows niether less nor more, existing for one and all. The generations come and go, and all enjoy life in its inexhaustible abundance (and also, it suggests, must accept death when it comes naturally). Every human being can draw in the course of his education from the inexhaustiblre wellspring of the divine in man's nature. But here two dangers threaten: a man may fail in his education to penetrate the real roots of humanity and remain fixed in convention, -a partial education of this sort is as bad as none -or he may suddenly collapse and neglect his self-development." The Image:"Water over wood: the Image of the Well.thus the superior man ecourages people at their work and exhorts them to help one another".(the superior man organizes human society, so that, as in a plant organism, all its parts co-operate for the benefit of the WHOLE) This suggests that Congress should not busy itself with individual cases that do nothing to address the greater needs of the people, thus severely diminishing their usefulness. I predict this will turn around and bite them! Your Faithful Reader, Mme. Zaratamara

Sunday, March 20, 2005

On the second anniversary of the IRAQ INVASION

Good Morning!

My thoughts this weekend have been on the war in Iraq, particularly as this was the 2'nd anniversary of our invasion, and we are still occupying that hapless land, incuring more hatred and deaths all around.

When I consulted the I CHING on this, it Re-iterated 33"RETREAT"...just as it did when I asked about getting out of Iraq. (See posting on this, from 3/11/05)It was as if it was saying, "I already spoke to you about this and what needs to be done!" ._______________________________o__________

The only changing line this time was the six in the second place, again, speaking of holding fast with yellow oxhide, picturing "perseverance of Inferior "people, it is likened in the commentary to Jacob wrestling with the Angel of Peniel, "I will not let thee go except thou bless me".We want to "Finnish the Job" there and not leave without being called a success, and having "won" despite the havoc and destruction we have caused. Perseverance of an inferior element is thus understandable, though not ultimately the right course if it impedes the desired goal of withdrawal.This one changing line now brings us# 44, "Coming to Meet"______________________________________ ___

which pictures a time when the dark, weak element advances to meet the light, strong one. "When there is hoarfrost underfoot, solid ice is not far off" .Hence, this gradual expansion must be checked in time, for the way of inferior people increases only because superior men entrust them with power. The superior man always stays where he belongs; the inferior man has to depend on lucky chance..The judgement:"Coming to MEET. The maiden is powerful.One should not marry such a maiden"("The rise of the inferior element is pictured here in the image of a bold girl that lightly surrenderes herself and thus siezes power; the superior man does not regard her as dangerous, and so lends her this power.If she were resisted from the first, she could never gain influence.While it is necessary for elements predestined to be joined and mutually dependant to come to meet each other halfway, this coming together must be free of ulterior motives, otherwise, harm will result."The Image:"Under heaven, wind:The image of coming to meet.Thus does the prince act when disseminating his commandsAnd proclaiming them to the four quarters of heaven"(Wind blowing from above symbolizes the influence exercised by the ruler through his commands. The ruler is FAR from his people but sets them in motion by means of his commands and decrees.)Then come several warnings:

"It must be checked with a brake of bronze .If one lets it take its course, one experiences Misfortune.Even a lean pig has it in him to rage around"(If an inferior element has wormed its way in, it must be energetically checked at once. There is the temptation to Under-rate it. A pig that is still young and lean cannot rage around much, but after it has eaten its fill and become strong, its true nature will come out.")It also warns that "Care must be taken not to let the inferior element come in contact with "Guests", meaning those farther away, because once free it would unfold its evil aspects unchecked.If we gain clear insight into the danger of the situation, we shall at least avoid more serious mistakes" (Like going on to invade Iran and Syria!?)More on this topic later, I'm sure!Your Faithful Reader,Mme. Zaratamara

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Asking for and about George W. Bush

Today I was beginning to fix my mind on Global Warming, requested by a visitor, and almost turned off the TV when I saw that Bush's press conferance was beginning. Since I feel he's badly in need of monitoring, I put the I Ching aside and watched, as tortuous as it usually is discerning the the truth amid the jingoistic platitudes. Afterwards, I felt that I simply HAD to ask the Great Book to speak about (and TO) our "President", especially since the Oracle was initially intended as guidance for rulers. (There is no question in my mind what the I Ching thinks of our Illustrous Leader, and it follows with some stern advice on War.) The Hexagram that came up was:___ ______ ______x______x______o______ ___

#62, Preponderance of the Small (Thunder above, arousing talk, and below is Mountain, keeping still, secrecy)"When strong elements within preponderate, they nescessarily enforce their will. This creates struggle and exceptional conditions in general. But in the present hexagram it is the weak element that perforce must mediate with the outside world. If a man occupies a position of authority for which he is by nature really inadequate (!) extraordinary prudence is necessary." say the notes.The Judgement says:"Preponderance of the Small. Success.Perseverance furthers.Small things may be done;Great things should NOT be done.The flying bird brings the message:It is not well to strive upward, it is well to remain below.(then there is) Great good fortune."

(it signifies a time where a transition must be made, but without going too far)The IMAGE:"Thunder on the mountain:The image of Preponderance of the Small.Thus in his conduct the superior man gives preponderance to reverence.In bereavement he gives preponderance to grief.In his expenditures he gives preponderance to thrift"

(Hmm, obviously that's not our guy!)Now, the three changing Lines:>Six in the second place means:"She passes by her ancestorAnd meets her ancestress.He does not reach his princeand meets the official.No blame.""This represents an official who does not surpass the yielding prince, because he himself is yielding in nature. In the nine in the third place he meets with an official with whom he is united through the relationship of holding together." (Prince Cheney?)>Nine in the Third says:"If one is not extremely careful,Somebody may come up from behind and strike him.Misfortune!" (Hmmmmm)>Nine in the Fourth place says:"No blame. He meets him without passing by." (the place is not the appropriate one.It is the place of the minister)"Going brings danger. One must be on guard.Do not act. be constantly persevering."(the line is too readily inclined to be drawn into excessive movement, which would be dangerous. Hence, the warning against action, the book explains.) Makes sense to me. All his "actions" have been pretty disastrous so far!Now the hexagram Changes to:___ ______ ______ ______ _____________ ___

#7 The Army (!Got HIS number, didn't it? Quite a lecture here for GW on this topic, so I'll go through the whole sequence)The Judgement:"The ARMY. The army needs perseverance And a strong man.Good fortune without blame.How could this be a mistake?"

Then it explains just how, warning:"..war is always a dangerous thing and brings with it destruction and devastation.Therefore, it should not be resorted to rashly but, like a poisonous drug, should be used as a last recourse.The justifying cause of a war, and clear and intelligible war aims, ought to be explained to the people by an experienced leader. (as opposed to someone who was deferred and shirked his combat duty?)Unless there is a definate war aim to which the people can consciously pledge themselves, the unity and conviction that lead to victory will not be forthcoming. (even so,) the leader must also look to it that the passion of war and delirium of victory do not give rise to unjust acts that will not meet with general approval. (like torturing prisoners) If justice and perseverance are the basis of action, there is no blame and all goes well." (we KNOW where it has gone instead!) the Image:"In the middle of the Earth is water: the image of the Army.Thus the superior man increases his massesby generosity toward the people."( well, his rich "base", anyway...)and goes on to explain,"Ground water, invisibly present within the earth, is like military power invisibly present in the masses, to be drawn up in defence in time of need (see also, reference to The Well in my introduction.)He who is generous toward the people wins their love, and a people living under a mild rule becomes strong and powerful. Only a people economically strong can be an important military power. Such power must therefore be cultivated by improving the economic condition of the people and by humane government.Only when there is this invisible bond between government and people, so that the people are sheltered by their government as groundwater is sheltered by the earth, is it possible to wage a victorious war."Since we are almost at the anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq, and since war is such a pre-occupation of this "Leader", I will read all six lines in progression. (I will even send GW a copy.)>Six at the beginning means:"An army must set forth in proper order.If the order is not good, misfortune threatens."and notes,"Joyousness is not the proper frame of mind for the onset of a war. A just and valid cause must exist, and the obedience and co-ordination of the troops must be well organized, otherwise the result is inevitably failure.">Nine in the second place means:"In the midst of the Army.Good fortune. No blame.The King bestows a triple decoration."

and explains: "The leader should be in the midst of his army, in touch with it, sharing good and bad with the masses he leads. This alone makes him equal to the heavy demands made upon him.">Six in the third place means:" Perchance the army carries corpses in the wagon.Misfortune." This suggests defeat.>Six in the fourth place means:" The army retreats.No blame."It explains, "In the face of a superior enemy, with whom it would be hopeless to engage in battle (The broader Iraqui "Insurgency", being those battling our occupation for their sovereignty) an orderly retreat is the only correct procedure, because it will save the army from defeat and disintegration. It is by no means a sign of courage or strength to insist upon engaging in a hopeless struggle regardless of circumstances"(see the post where Retreat is discussed when I asked about Iraq.)>Six in the fifth place means:" There is game in the field.It furthers one to catch it.Without blame.Let the eldest lead the army.The younger transports corpses; (thus the right man is not put in charge)Then perseverance brings misfortune"

Interpretation is, "This points to an enemy invasion. Energetic combat and punishment are here thoroughly justified, but they must not degenerate into a wild melee in which everyone fends for himself; this would lead to misfortune.The army must be directed by an experienced leader. It is a matter of waging war, not of permitting the mob to slaughter all who fall into their hands; if they do, defeat will be the result, and despite all perseverance there is danger of misfortune.">Finally, the six at the top means:"The great prince issues commands,founds states, vests families with fiefs.Inferior people should not be employed."

"The war -as qualified in the fifth line- has ended successfully, and the king divides estates and fiefs among his faithful vassals. But it is important that inferior people should not come to power. If they have helped, let them be paid off with money, but they should not be awarded lands or the priveledges of rulers, lest power be abused." Nuff said. (Comments are welcome)Your Faithful Reader, Mme.Zaratamara

Monday, March 14, 2005

On Getting OUT of Iraq

Good Morning!Mme. Zaratamara has been asked to consult the I-Ching on the question "How do we get out of Iraq?"I have just tossed the coins and this is the Hexagram:_________________x_____________o______ ___

This is #33 , RETREAT! (I know. Blows MY mind every time, too!)It pictures a time when the "power of the Dark" is ascending. The light retreats to security so that the dark cannot encroach upon it (a matter not of Man's will, but of Natural law)Therefore in this case withdrawel is proper; it is the correct way to behave in order not to exhaust one's forces (similar to what Jesus said about not resisting evil).The Judgement line says:"RETREAT. Success.In what is small, perseverence furthers"

"Hostile forces favored by the time are advancing. In this case retreat is the right course and through retreat success will be achieved. Retreat is not to be confused with flight, which means saving oneself under any circumstances, whereas Retreat is a sign of strength.(but) We must be careful NOT TO MISS the right moment, while we are still in possession of power and position. One must interpret the signs of the times before it is too late and prepare for a provisional retreat before one is drawn into a desperate life-and-death struggle. Thus, success lies in being able to retreat at the right moment and in the right manner, making it the voluntary withdrawel of a strong (person), not the forced flight of a weak one."THE IMAGE:"Mountain under heaven..thus the superior man keeps the Inferior man at a distance,not angrily, but with reserve"

Now come the "changing"Lines :>Six in the second place says:"He holds him fast with yellow oxhide.No one can tear him loose"Retreat is hampered by the Inferior (Bush et al)perseverence in what is "small"(short-sighted and self-serving)>Nine in the Fourth place says:"Voluntary Retreat brings good fortune to the superior manAnd downfall to the inferior man."(in voluntarily retreating the superior man does not have to do violence to his convictions. The one who suffers is the inferior man, who will degenerate when deprived of the Guidance he needs.This is also applicable to the attitude nescessary toward the Neocon infestation of our government: we do not simply abandon the field to the inferior man, we make it difficult for him to advance by showing perseverance in "single acts of resistence". In this way we prepare, while retreating, for a counter-movement.

Understanding the laws of such constructive retreat is not easy, but "Great indeed is the meaning that lies hidden in such a time"Incidently, this Hexagram is linked to the sixth month (July/ August in the Chinese year)NOW the hexagram is redrawn with the "changing" lines and we see:_________________ ____________________ ___

#57, The Gentle, Penetrating Wind (this is also the Hexagram of home-coming!)The dark principle, in itself rigid and immovable, is disolved by the penetratiing light principle. Like the wind that disperses the clouds in nature, and can even erode stone, so in human life it is the penetrating clarity of examination and judgement, ceaselessly expressed, that thwarts all dark hidden motives. In the life of the community it is the powerful influence of a great personality that uncovers and breaks up those intrigues that shun the light of day.The Judgement says:"The GENTLE. Success through what is small.It furtheres one to have somewhere to go. (like,Home!)It furthers one to see the great man"

(the "great man" is refered to as the "ruler" of the hexagram, the fifth line, which says"Perseverence brings good fortune. Remorse vanishes.Nothing that does not further.No beginning, but an END.Before the change, three days, After the change, three days"

(the Beginning has not been good, and the moment has been reached when a new direction can be taken, but such changes must be made with great deliberation and care for success to be achieved)and it notes,"In contrast to the situation in #18, Work on what has been spoiled, where it is a question of compensating for mistakes of the parents, is is work on public matters that is described here, characterized not so much by love that covers up defects, as by impartial justice, as symbolized by the West,Metal, Autumn.) In order to enforce commands, it is nescessary to first ABANDON A WRONGE BEGINNING so that a good end is attainable."The Image:"Winds following one upon the other; The Image of the Gently Penetrating.Thus the superior man spreads his commands abroad And carries out undertakings"

The penetrating quality of the wind depends on its ceaselessness. This is what makes even gentle wind so powerful; Time is its instrument. Change is effected not by an act of violation, but by influence that never ceases, and always moves in the direction of the desired goal. Results of this kind are less striking than those won by surprise attack, but they are more enduring and complete."It may not yet be clear who the "Great Man" is (it could be the People as a greater body)... Clearly, we must keep a constant wind-like pressure on our demands for this Change, penetrating the dark motives of the Warmakers with our myriad small but ceaseless voices speaking Truth to Power, that cannot but eventually accumulate to achieve our goal, ending the Occupation and entering upon a new and better wayto relate to the rest of the world.Yours, Mme Zaratamara

The Commentary says,"Modesty creates success, for it is the way of heaven to shed its influence downward and to create light and radiance. It is the way of earth to be lowly and go upward.It is the way of heaven to make empty what is full and give increase to what is modest. (thus)Modesty that is honored spreads radiance; Modesty that is lowly cannot be ignored. This is the end attained by the Superior Man."The IMAGE:"Within the earth, a mountain:the image of Modesty.Thus, the superior man reduces that which is too much,and augments that which is too little.He weighs things and makes them equal"(pretty good picture of what Social Security is supposed to do, isn't it?)It goes on to say," The wealth of the earth, in which a mountain is hidden is not visable to the eye, because the depths are offset by the height of the mountain. Thus high and low compliment each other, and the result is the plain. (the "level playing field idealized, until recently, it seems, as the Great Society). Here, an effect that has taken a long time to achieve, but that in the end seems easy of accomplishment and self-evident, is used as the image of modesty.The Superior Man does the same thing when he establishes order in the world; he equalizes the extremes that are the source of social discontent and thereby creates just and equitable conditions."(George Bush, of course, seeks to do just the OPPOSITE, as evidenced by his actions favoring the rich, of which his Social Security privatization scheme is one.)

Now the "Changing " lines:>Six in the beginning means"A superior man modest about his modestyMay cross the great water(he is lowly in order to guard himself well)Good fortune"The meaning here is that Modesty in a lowly place cannot be ignored(the People)and even dangerous enterprises, such as crossing the great water, can be accomplished if done in the simplest most straight-forward way.(the way SS was always supposed to work)>Six in the fourth place means:"Nothing that would not further modesty in movement. He (the superior man) does not overstep the rule"( of course, GW is NOT a modest man, and would wish to once again "overstep the rule" in his arrogance)

This hexagram then Changes to #55, Abundance___ ______ ____________________ __________

"Abundance has success.The King attains abundance.Be not sad.Be like the sun at midday"

( Midday suggests that this extraordinary condition of abundance is usually brief)"There is only one means of making foundations firm in times of greatness, namely, spiritual expansion. Abundance can only endure if ever larger groups are brought to share in it, for only then can the movement continue without turning into its opposite".. and, very interestingly, goes on to recommend,in the IMAGE"Both thunder and lightning come:The image of Abundance.Thus, the Superior Man decides lawsuits And carries out punishments." and explains:"The trigrams Li, light and clarity, and Chen, shock, terror, give the prerequisites for a clearing of the atmosphere by the thunderstorm of a criminal trial.Clarity within makes it possible to investigate the facts exactly, and shock without ensures a strict and precise carrying out of punishment."This says to me, that we must clarify the facts, and a due punishment -and rejection of Bush's plan- will ensue. This already appears to be happening, as Bush's Privatization scheme is being widely exposed and rejected, even by his own party members.(Now, if we can just get some more clarity on 9/11, perhaps we can mete out the justice so long overdue where this "king" is concerned!)Your humble reader, Mme.Zaratamara

Thursday, March 10, 2005

First Sample reading: the I CHING speaks

Welcome ! The I-Ching, the only great ancient work of this period to survive a huge book-burning by tyrant, Ch'in Shih Huang Ti, in 213BC, was actually not translated from Chinese until the early 20th century, AD., by German scholar Richard Wilhelm, and not into English til 1965. This is the edition, with a forward by Jung, that I have studied, used and cherished in my own life since 1968, when, as a young woman, it forcefully struck me between the eyes with its personal and universal relevance . The I Ching is firstly a book of Wisdom -the state of Human affairs in general and states of transition in particular, presented in a series of 64 Hexagrams; poem-like verses invoking archetypical Images of and advice for, situations in flux. It starts with the basics: the Male (Yang) Creative, represented by the Dragon,and the Female (Yin) Receptive, has the Image of a Mare, tirelessly roaming the earth, grounded and Real. (One mustn't be put off by the sexist-sounding language, as the Book assigns equal power to both polarities, and assumes both polarities exist in all men and women. Thus the The Creative comes first because it represents the initial spark, of Life, of Idea. Then Must come the Receptive, to nurture it on Earth and give it Actuality!) Beginning, then, with Creative, shown as 6 straight Male lines and Receptive, 6 Female broken lines, it cycles through all possible combinations of straight and broken lines, returning at #64 to Before Completion , (NOT "After Completion" ) and the cycle begins again. The ancient method of Divining used yarrow stalks, but a simpler method using coins is quicker.The coins' two sides are designated with numeric values as well as sex: Male Heads=3, Female Tails=2. The Hexagram is drawn from bottom up, straight lines Male and broken lines Female.The Reader first clears her mind and her table, and focuses on a situation where guidance is desired. Then she tosses three coins counts them up:There's two heads and a tail, so 3+3+2=8, an even number, drawn as a Yin (Femle) broken line __ __ The next toss is two tails and a head, so 2+2+3=7, a Yang(Male) straight line _____The next toss is three Heads, a 9, also a straight, male line, but because it's a 9,(as opposed to a 7) is further marked with an x through the line: ___x___ (Please note: typing does not allow me to show this as an unbroken line, but it is!)A toss of three Tails, a Yin 6, is also marked, but with a O in the space: ___o___These two are called "Changing Lines" because these lines not only speak in more detail about the subject as separate verses, but then "change" to the opposite sex, and re-drawn as a new Hexagram that indicates how this situation will further develop, or "change". So far, by example, we have four of the six lines, looking like this:___o______x_____________ ___

and let me just Actually TOSS the other two>>>>>> it was a 7 and an 8, which added to the top gives us the final hexagram:___ _____________o______x_____________ ___

(there is a chart to locate it, dividing it into two Trigrams, upper and lower.... they all have a name, too! this one's Wood over Water)This Hexagram is #48, called "Ching,The Well' (Wow! This is the I Ching representing itself to us!) it is the universal Image of the "Inexhaustible dispensing of Nourishment" -and that includes Wisdom!The Image is Water over wood, both wood as a bucket and wood as a plant that sucks water out of the ground. "Thus the Superior Man organizes human society so that all parts of the whole benefit"The Judgement verse says,

"The Town may be changed,but the Well cannot be changed.....They come and go from the Well... (and then a warning )If one gets almost down to the waterAnd the rope does not go all the way, (this signifies only a partial understanding, which is worse than none at all)Or the Jug Breaks, it brings misfortune." (The breaking of the jug means carelessness, but also in the sense of mis-using the Military, the "groundwater" of defence in EXCESS , resulting in the annihilation of the State. (WHOA! like I said, Bush needs to consult this Oracle! That's what I got LAST time I asked about the him and the Iraq War!)

Then, each Hexagram has six "Lines", which can be read as a general progression of the situation or the lesson, but in the case of our two "changing lines", (even though they were superficially picked to illustrate the mechanism) they are speaking further to us:>Nine in the third place means:

"The Well is cleaned, but no one drinks from it.This is my Heart's Sorrow,For one might draw from it.If the King were Clear-minded,good Fortune might be enjoyed in common." (It's the Book itself speaking, and HOW TRUE! King George is definitely NOT clear-minded!)

>6 in the fourth place means:

"The Well is being lined. No Blame" ( it will soon be in use again! How exciting!)

Ok, as if that wasn't impressive enough, we now re-draw the Hexagram changing the marked lines to their opposite sex:We now have: (No more marks)

___ ____________________ _____________ ___

#47 "Oppression/Exhaustion" the Image of a Lake drained dry from below(...Like our Economy?! ) and explains:"Thus everywhere Superior Men are oppressed and held in restraint by inferior Men" (ain't THAT the Truth!)

... but The Judgement says:

"Oppression. SUCCESS. Perseverance. (a favorite concept in the I Ching as in "Furthering through Perseverance")The great man brings about good fortune.No blame.When one has something to say,it is not believed" .... and explains in the footnotes, "Times of Adversity..can lead to success if they befall the right man. He who lets his spirit be broken by exhaustion certainly has no success. But if adversity only bends someone, it creates a power within to react that is bound in time to manifest itself even though for the time being outward influence is denied .

"Thus the Superior Man stakes his lifeOn following his Will."(for this alone is superior to all external Fate)

Pretty much IT in a nutshell, wouldn't you say?

I will be asking the I Ching to speak to us regularly, as I regularly have alot on my mind, and things are in an especially huge state of flux right now. Please think about what's going on in the World and what larger issue you might want to consult with the Oracle about. Please no personal stuff at this time, as I'm doing this for free, and I want to stick to the Big Picture. "Yes" and "No" questions don't really work here, and a humble universal approach works best. I will try to pick the best topics first, and I can't guarantee I'll address all of them, but I'd like to hear from People! Your Guide and Reader, Mme. Zaratamara

About Me

The ancient method of Divining used yarrow stalks, but a simpler method using coins is quicker.
The coins' two sides are designated with numeric values as well as sex: Male Heads=3, Female Tails=2.
The Hexagram is drawn from bottom up, straight lines Male and broken lines Female.
The Reader focuses on a situation where guidance is desired, clearing mind and table.
Then she tosses three coins (a series of 6 times)and counts them up:
There's two heads and a tail, so 3+3+2=8, an even number, a Yin broken line __ __
The next toss is 2 tails and a head, so 2+2+3=7, a Yang, straight line _____
The next toss is 3 Heads, 9, also a straight, male line, but because it's a 9, is further marked with an x through the line.
A toss of 3 Tails, a Yin 6, is also marked, but with a O in the space. These two are called "Changing Lines" because these lines not only speak in more detail about the subject , then "change" to the opposite sex yield a new Hexagram that shows how this situation will further develop. (See first Post for rest of this Hexagram)